Day 8: Pontryhydfendigaid to Cellan

There are two important sites today: the ruins of Strata Florida Abbey and the village of Llanddewi-Brefi. Strata Florida is one of the best known of the many Cistercian ruins in Wales. After Strata Florida we head South West with the Cambrian mountains to our left and the valley of the Teifi to our right, reaching the greatest elevation of the pilgrimage. The route takes us over wild moorland on the edge of civilisation then down to Tregaron for lunch. Another up and over the low hills and we reach Llanddewi-Brefi. This is the legendary site of St David's most famous miracle - and more recently, where some Little Britain sketches were filmed. Continuing on the minor lanes, we cross the Teifi and re-cross it just before reaching our destination: Cellan, a village a couple of miles from the university town of Lampeter. Listen for the many birds busy about the ancient farmland.

We awoke in our huge space - the stage-dwellers still felt the need to huddle together.

Packing, strangely enough, is a bigger challenge in a large venue as everyone unpacks more (and we had the half-dry tents to pack too), but soon we were ready for setting off prayers...

...led by John.

The hills around looked attractive.

And the back markers were happy together.

As we started to climb there were good views.

Ceri tackles a stile.

The going was mainly grassy at this stage.

At St Mary's, Strata Florida, the vicar welcomed us, and told us a little about the Cistercian order who founded the adjacent abbey centuries ago.

Tineke gave an passionate talk on the place of women in the church.

Catherine and Luis look at his picture of the ruined abbey.

As we climbed more, the grass got longer...

...and it got muddy.

And we went up and down a fair amount.

Gradually the terrain got tougher.

And the weather got wetter.

Until it was really raining.

"Why on earth did I come?"

The path was obstructed by a fence topped with barbed wire on the top of a bank. Aidan and Sarah made sure everyone got over safely.

Rosemary and Monica met us, but didn't find many takers for drinks in the rain.

As the rain eased, the clouds sat on the hills around us.

Bernie was very happy to have reached the lunch pub.

The hotel provided towels for cold, wet pilgrims.

Keith, Alexe and John met us and enjoyed their lunch.

Ann and the wet arrows.

Leaving the pub acoss the square in Tregaron.

St Caron's Church, Tregaron - outside...

...and inside. We paused for DIY prayers here.

The rain brought more challenges - a rushing stream, crossed on an old gate. Andy, Euan and Mike got everyone across safely.

Ewa crosses yet another stream.

Francis enjoys a bit of road walking.

The churchyard at Llandewi Brefi...

...and the saint's statue inside the church.

The church from outside.

Norma and Helen are pleased to arrive,

The altar.

The vicar who led our Eucharist.

Some pilgrims escaped into the pub next door.

Back on our way - Caroline and Sue are dressed for the weather.

Patrick and Becky keep up their spirits.

The front markers persuaded this lady to keep the post office / shop open in Llanfair Bridge.

We enjoyed hot drinks, and chatted to the secretary and treasurer of the adjacent chapel who had come out to meet us.

Peter gave a reflection on all the good things done by the churches.

A happy Dannie - with the full Afon Teifi behind her.

Water pouring down a stream in Cellan.

The hall in Cellan is new and well appointed but rather small, so we needed tents. We all look rather puzzled by the poles...

...but soon the tent goes up.

The sun sets on a tough, wet day.

Wet socks hung up on the bricks.

And so to bed!